Cornerstone

Arctic Monkeys

About Cornerstone

"Cornerstone" is a song by the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, released as the second single from their third album Humbug. It was released on 16 November 2009. Like the previous single "Crying Lightning", the vinyl was made available in Oxfam shops. Alex Turner told Uncut magazine that he wrote this song, "one morning, quite quickly." He added: "There's something to be said for writing in the morning. At other points in the day you're a bit more defensive. I saw it as a challenge to write something in a major key, but that wasn't cheesy. " It was originally written in the key of A major. In October 2013, it was sampled by the rapper Dom Kennedy for the song "Pleeze" on his album Get Home Safely. 


Year:
2009
3:17
733 
#4

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I thought I saw you in the battleship
But it was only a look a like
She was nothing but a vision trick
Under the warning light
She was close, close enough to be your ghost
But my chances turned to toast
When I asked her if I could call her your name

I thought I saw you in the rusty hook
Huddled up in wicker chair
I wandered up for a closer look
And kissed who ever was sitting there

She was close, and she held me very tightly
'Til I asked awfully politely, please
Can I call you her name

And I elongated my lift home,
Yeah I let him go the long way round
I smelt your scent on the seat belt
And kept my shortcuts to myself

I thought I saw you in the parrots beak
Messing with the smoke alarm
It was too loud for me to hear her speak
And she had a broken arm

It was close, so close that the walls were wet
And she wrote it out in letraset
No you can't call me her name

Tell me where's your hiding place
I'm worried I'll forget your face
And I've asked everyone
I'm beginning to think I imagined you all along

I elongated my lift home
Yeah I let him go the long way 'round
I smelt your scent on the seat belt
And kept my shortcuts to myself

I saw your sister in the cornerstone
On the phone to the middle man
When I saw that she was on her own
I thought she might understand

She was close, well you couldn't get much closer
She said I'm really not supposed to but yes,
You can call me anything you want

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Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys are an English indie rock band. Formed in 2002 in High Green, a suburb of Sheffield, the band currently consists of Alex Turner (lead vocals, lead/rhythm guitar), Jamie Cook (rhythm/lead guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Matt Helders (drums, backing vocals). Former members include Andy Nicholson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Glyn Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar). more »

12 fans

Written by: Alex Turner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Album Release
"Cornerstone" is a song by Arctic Monkeys from their third studio album, "Humbug", which was released in 2009.
Single release
It was released as the second single from the album on 16 November 2009.
Song Themes
The lyrics of "Cornerstone" depict the singer's experiences of searching for a lost love interest in various bars and finding girls who closely resemble her.
Music Video Director
The music video of "Cornerstone" was directed by their band member Richard Ayoade, who is also known as a comedian, actor, and film director.
One-Take Video
The music video was filmed in one single take, featuring lead singer Alex Turner singing to the camera against a white wall backdrop.
Acoustic Performance
Alex Turner performed an acoustic version of "Cornerstone" for a French radio session, which later became one of the band's iconic performances.
Chart Performance
The track peaked at number 94 on the UK Singles Chart, reaching a low position despite being well-received critically.
Reception
The song has been praised for its lyrical depth, with critics noting its emotional honesty and Turner's songwriting.
Concert Favorites
Despite not achieving high commercial success, "Cornerstone" remains one of Arctic Monkeys’ most popular concert songs.
Evolution of Band's Sound
"Cornerstone" reflects the band's shift in musical style with "Humbug". While their previous albums contained heavier, punk-influenced rock, this song is more melodic and reflective.
Song Interpretation
The song leaves room for interpretation, with some listeners suggesting that the 'Cornerstone' is a metaphor for mental stability, that the protagonist is seeking throughout the song after a breakup.
Vinyl Release
Along with a CD release, the single was also released on a 10" picture disc vinyl. This vinyl included B-sides like "Catapult", "Sketchead", and "Fright Lined Dining Room".
Live Debut
Arctic Monkeys first performed "Cornerstone" live at Liverpool Sound City festival in May 2009.

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